System for transporting child stroller

ABSTRACT

An embodiment includes a travel system comprising: a first arm and a second arm, the first arm including an aperture; a hub pivotally coupled to the first and second arms; a male hitch insert, coupled to the hub, configured to insert within a female hitch; a handle bar support coupled to the male hitch insert and configured to receive a handle bar of a stroller; a void, located between the first and second arms, configured to receive a wheel of the stroller; and a post configured to (a) extend from the first arm to the second arm, (b) mate with the second arm, (c) extend between support members of the wheel and secure the stroller to the system. Other embodiments are described herein.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/551,000, filed Aug. 26, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/673,714, filed Aug. 10, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No.10,414,345, issued Sep. 17, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/695,714, filed Apr. 24, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No.9,738,230, issued Aug. 22, 2017, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/983,531, filed on Apr. 24, 2014,entitled “System for Transporting Child Stroller.” The content of eachof the above applications is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Transporting a baby jogging stroller (and strollers in general) byautomobile is difficult due to the stroller's size, weight, foldinglimitations, and awkward shape. The strollers do not easily fit insideautomobile trunks and occupies most of the interior space of a SportUtility Vehicle (SUV), minivan or station wagon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention willbecome apparent from the appended claims, the following detaileddescription of one or more example embodiments, and the correspondingfigures. Where considered appropriate, reference labels have beenrepeated among the figures (where some may include a first number toreflect the figure number such that element 2XX is an element in FIG. 2that is analogous to element 1XX in FIG. 1 ) to indicate correspondingor analogous elements.

FIG. 1 includes an assembly drawing of an embodiment of a travel system.

FIG. 2 includes a side view of an embodiment of a travel system.

FIG. 3 a includes top, bottom, side, and perspective views of a portionof a lock assembly in an embodiment of a travel system. FIG. 3 bincludes bottom, side, and perspective views of a portion of a lockassembly in an embodiment of a travel system.

FIG. 4 includes a diameter reducing plate in an embodiment of a travelsystem.

FIG. 5 includes an embodiment of a hub and detent pin in an embodimentof a travel system.

FIG. 6 includes a method of operation for an embodiment of a travelsystem.

FIGS. 7 a, b, c, d, e, f include a method of operation for an embodimentof a travel system.

FIG. 8 a includes a top view of an embodiment with arms folded (fornon-stroller conveyance mode). FIG. 8 b includes a top view of anembodiment with arms unfolded (for stroller conveyance mode).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like structures maybe provided with like suffix reference designations. Drawings may onlyshow the structures useful to understand the illustrated embodiments.Additional structures known in the art may not have been included tomaintain the clarity of the drawings. “An embodiment”, “variousembodiments” and the like indicate embodiment(s) so described mayinclude particular features, structures, or characteristics, but notevery embodiment necessarily includes the particular features,structures, or characteristics. Some embodiments may have some, all, ornone of the features described for other embodiments. “First”, “second”,“third” and the like describe a common object and indicate differentinstances of like objects are being referred to. Such adjectives do notimply objects so described must be in a given sequence, eithertemporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. “Connected”may indicate elements are in direct physical or electrical contact witheach other and “coupled” may indicate elements co-operate or interactwith each other, but they may or may not be in direct physical orelectrical contact.

Transporting baby jogging strollers by automobile is difficult due totheir size, weight, folding limitations, and awkward shape. They do noteasily fit inside sedan automobile trunks and occupy most of theinterior space of a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), minivan, hatchback, orstation wagon. An embodiment permits the owner to easily transport thestroller by securing it to the exterior of the vehicle via a standardhitch receiver. More specifically, an embodiment includes a mechanicaldevice that aids in the folding and set-up of a stroller, and whenattached to a vehicle hitch receiver, transports the stroller tolocations previously inaccessible given the size and weight ofstrollers.

An embodiment, such as the embodiment of FIG. 2 , serves variousfunctions such as, for example, (1) simultaneously aids the folding andloading process of the stroller; (2) keeps baby jogging stroller a safedistance from the ground while attached to vehicle; (3) acts as pivotpoint for the stroller when rear access to vehicle is required; and (4)simultaneously aids in the unfolding and set-up process of a babyjogging stroller.

An embodiment has a minimal size; does not block the driver's rear viewof his/her vehicle when the stroller is loaded; aids folding andunfolding of the stroller; and eliminates or reduces unassisted andunguided lifting of the jogging stroller.

An embodiment may help, for example, a young parent with small childrenwho has need to transport a single stroller or double stroller (ortriple stroller or other stroller with one or more seats for one or moreoccupants) in an efficient manner. His or her vehicle may be a SUV orminivan with a 2″ female hitch receiver (standard or aftermarketequipped) about 12″ or more from the ground. However, other embodimentsmay provide clearances of 5, 7, 9, 11, 14, 15 or more inches from theground. Other embodiments are for station wagons and sedans and/or a1.25″ receiver or other sized receivers.

An embodiment allows for license plate viewing when the stroller isloaded and/or driver rear windshield viewing when the stroller isloaded. These two elements are not addressed by conventional transportsystems.

Embodiments have various carrier positioning: attached to vehicle(automobile) and loaded with jogging stroller; attached to vehicle innon-stowed position and not loaded; and attached to vehicle in stowedpositioned (and therefore not loaded).

An embodiment allows the vehicle owner to conveniently access the rearof vehicle when the stroller is or is not loaded. An embodiment allowsingress or egress of a child, animal, or the like from rear of vehicle.

An embodiment has features such as, for example, securelyholds/transports single and/or double jogging strollers for a variety ofdifferently sized strollers. An embodiment attaches to a rear of avehicle via hitch receiver with minimal effort and without use of tools.An embodiment may also accommodate non-jogging strollers. The embodimenthelps the user get the stroller from the unhelpful, unwieldy, andunbalanced folded state of either laying/sitting on the ground or in onehand balanced on a single wheel and into the stowed state—all whilestill managing children and the like that make an arduous storing of thestroller inadvisable/prohibitive.

An embodiment provides security for contents (e.g., lock torack/vehicle) to prevent theft. For example, strollers may cost hundredsof dollars and are often stolen. However, the embodiment cannot beremoved from the unit due to a locking assembly, thus serving as anobvious visual cue to its user to complete lock engagement.

An embodiment allows the vehicle to fit easily into a standard-sizedgarage with loaded carrier attached and allows access to inside of rearof vehicle (operate glass hatchback window while fully loaded, operatelift-gate while fully loaded). An embodiment allows height ofloading/unloading position to be adjusted at initial set-up toaccommodate different combinations of vehicle height, sloped ground,and/or operator ergonomic preferences.

An embodiment has a onetime set-up or infrequent adjustment, immobilizescontents during vehicle operation, provides for easy loading andunloading with minimal number of steps by one individual using only onehand at a time, does not come into contact with ground at any time(e.g., while vehicle enters or exists a driveway), does not allow thestroller to come in contact with ground at any time once the stroller isloaded for travel, does not allow the stroller to protrude beyond sideof vehicle, does not protrude into parking lot aisles while loaded, anddoes not move relative to vehicle during vehicle operation.

FIG. 1 includes an assembly drawing of an embodiment of a travel system100. A travel system 100 comprises a first arm 103 and a second arm 102,the first arm including an aperture 132. System 100 includes a hubcomprising elements 111, 113, 114. The hub is pivotally coupled to thefirst and second arms 103, 102 and extends from the first arm to thesecond arm across void 152. A male hitch insert member 118, includingthe hub, is configured to insert within a female hitch (not shown). Ariser member 119 is coupled to the male hitch insert member 118. Ahandle bar receptacle, including portion 123 that mates to compliantportion 121, is orthogonally coupled to the riser member. The handle barreceptacle is configured to receive a handle bar of a stroller. Thehandle bar receptacle includes portions 153, 154, 155 that may havevarying forms and diameters with which to conform to brake assembliesand other contours of strollers of different makes and models. Portion121 may include a shape, material, and durometer combination designed toprovide optimal resistance to prevent movement of stroller (eitherorthogonally or parallel to long axis 156) during transport. System 100includes void 152, located between the first and second arms 103, 102,configured to receive a wheel of the stroller (not shown). System 100includes an assembly 104 having a lock (element 157 indicates cavity orvoid within which locking mechanism, not shown, resides) coupled to apost 158, the post 158 configured to extend from the first arm 103 tothe second arm 102 and lockingly mate with the second arm. The assemblyincludes first and second ends 339, 340 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) eachhaving a diameter 341, 342 greater than a maximum diameter 143 of theaperture 132 so the assembly cannot be removed from the aperture withoutdisassembling the assembly.

In an embodiment of the travel system 100 the first arm 103, the secondarm 102, and the riser 119 each have identical cross-sections 136, 135,137.

An embodiment includes a kit having a plurality of plates, such asplates 116, 117. Plate 417 (FIG. 4 ) includes first apertures 448, 449,450, 451 that cooperate with second apertures (not shown) included inthe first and second arms 103, 102. The plurality of plates (not shown)may be configured to couple to the first and second arms via the firstand second apertures to reduce a diameter 131 of the void 152. Thediameter 131 is orthogonal to long axis 156 (which is parallel to longaxes of the first and second arms). In an embodiment the plurality ofplates includes differing thicknesses to reduce the diameter of the void152 to accommodate stroller wheels of varying thicknesses. For example,set “1” could have a first thickness that barely reduces the diameterbetween plates 116, 117. This may provide a resistance fit to a firsthub or tire of a first jogger. However, set “2” could have a thicknessthat more noticeably reduces the diameter between plates 116, 117 toprovide a resistance fit to a second hub or tire of a second jogger thatis thinner than the first hub or tire. That way a single embodiment maybe able to accommodate various stroller models.

In an embodiment the riser (analogous to riser 119) includes first andsecond members that telescopically deploy with regard to one another(e.g., with one member sliding within the other member) to vary heightof the riser to accommodate strollers of varying sizes. This telescopingmechanism may cooperate with the plate kit described above to allow asingle embodiment to be able to accommodate various stroller models.

An embodiment includes a nylon sleeve 144 coupled to the hub (e.g.,elements 111, 113, 114) to control a pivot rate at which the first andsecond arms pivot 259 about the hub 211. However, in another embodimentsleeve 144 is merely friction inducing (e.g., nylon, silicon, elastomer,polymer) to help, for example, arms that are folded up (when nottransporting a stroller) stay up. In an embodiment the first and secondarms pivot an angle 238 less than 150 degrees about the hub. However, inother embodiments angle 238 is 70, 90, 110, 130, 170 degrees or more. Inan embodiment, detent pin 105 couples to the hub element 114 at aperture160. As seen in FIG. 5 , detent pin 505 couples about axis rod/bolt 506and travels less than 150 degrees in traveling from a first surface ofthe hub to a second surface of the hub such that the first and secondarms pivot less than 150 degrees about the hub. In other embodiments,the detent pin may simply abut one or more flanges of the male hitchinsert member to arrest pivoting.

In an embodiment the riser 119 includes an aperture 130 that includesthe male hitch insert member 118. In an embodiment the riser 119 islocated between the first arm 103 and a first end 146 of the male hitchinsert member 118. In an embodiment the riser 119 is located betweenfirst and second opposing ends 146, 145 of the male hitch insert member.In an embodiment the hub is located in the second end 145 of the malehit insert member.

FIG. 6 includes a method of operation for an embodiment of a travelsystem. Process 600 includes locating a travel system, such as system100 of FIG. 1 , coupled to an automobile (block 605). The system maycomprise (a) a first arm and a second arm, the first arm including anaperture; (b) a hub, pivotally coupled to the first and second arms,extending from the first arm to the second arm; (c) a male hitch insertmember, including the hub, configured to insert within a female hitch;(d) a riser member coupled to the male hitch insert member; (e) a handlebar receptacle, orthogonally coupled to the riser member, configured toreceive a handle bar of a stroller; (f) a void, located between thefirst and second arms, configured to receive a wheel of the stroller;and (g) an assembly having a lock coupled to a post, the post configuredto extend from the first arm to the second arm and lockingly mate withthe second arm; wherein the assembly includes first and second ends eachhaving a diameter greater than a maximum diameter of the aperture so theassembly cannot be removed from the aperture without disassembling theassembly. See, for example, FIG. 7 a whereby the arms are pivoted up fora lower profile/footprint. In FIG. 7 b the arms are pivoted downwards toreceive the forward wheel of a stroller.

Process 600 then provides locating the wheel in the void whilemaintaining additional wheels of the stroller on the ground (block 610and FIG. 7 c ). Block 615 includes rotating the stroller over the frontwheel and towards the automobile while simultaneously collapsing thestroller (FIGS. 7 d and 7 e ). Block 620 includes traversing a void inthe wheel with the lock assembly to secure the wheel between the firstand second arms (FIG. 7 f ). Block 625 includes locking the assembly tothe first and second arms to secure the wheel between the first andsecond arms. Block 630 includes securing the handle bar to the handlebar receptacle (FIG. 7 e ). The sequence of blocks of FIG. 6 may varyand for example, one may secure the handle bar to the system before orafter locking the wheel in place. The stroller itself may have detentmechanisms to keep the stroller from unfolding during transit. Thestroller is held in place by the arms, locking assembly, and/or handlebar straps.

Referring again to FIG. 1 , placement, size, material and durometer ofstraps 122, 123 combine to work in concert with cradle pad 121 toprevent movement of stroller during transport. Arm Bumper 101 mayinclude an integrated handle to aid in rotation of arms 103, 102 and mayinclude a material and durometer designed to allow for slightdeformation to mitigate risk for damage to unit 100 or to othervehicles. Arm guards 116, 117 may include material and dimensionsdesigned to establish a friction fit with a stroller wheel and thereforesecure the wheel hub of a stroller thereby preventing movement duringtransport. Lock pin 104 and cap 340 may be glued to each other followinginsertion of pin 158 through hole 132 preventing assembly 104 from beingremoved from overall unit 100. This may serve as a visual cue to theuser to engage lock pin assembly 104 in order to deter theft of ajogging stroller and prevent accidental ejection of jogging strollerfrom moving vehicle in the unlikely case of two simultaneous handlebarstraps 122, 123 failures. An embodiment may include a lock pin supportcomprising a thin stiff sheet to support the lock pin 158 to be parallelwith ground while in the disengaged position.

In an embodiment, arm 103 may include an aperture opposite aperture 132.Aperture 132 may be on the outside of the arm and the other aperture mayalign with aperture 132 but be on the inside of the arm. The insideraperture may have a smaller diameter than aperture 132 and be configuredto cap 340 cannot pass therethrough. This will help the user avoidlosing or misplacing locking assembly 104.

An embodiment includes a travel system comprising: a first arm and asecond arm, the first arm including an aperture; a hub, pivotallycoupled to the first and second arms, extending from the first arm tothe second arm; a male hitch insert member, including the hub,configured to insert within a female hitch; a riser member coupled tothe male hitch insert member; a handle bar receptacle, orthogonallycoupled to the riser member, configured to receive a handle bar of astroller; a void, located between the first and second arms, configuredto receive a wheel of the stroller; and an assembly having a lockcoupled to a cable, the cable configured to extend from the first arm tothe second arm and lockingly mate with the second arm and the lock. Inother words, embodiments described herein may be altered to include asimple lock and cable, with the cable (or chain) going through astroller tire and one or more arms to secure the stroller.

As described herein, an embodiment includes a riser (analogous to riser119) that includes first and second members that telescopically deploywith regard to one another to vary height of the riser to accommodatestrollers of varying sizes. However, other embodiments provide othertelescoping members. For example, a main male hitch (analogous to member118) includes first and second members that telescopically deploy withregard to one another to vary the distance from the stroller to theautomobile to accommodate strollers of varying sizes. As anotherexample, arms 103, 102 may each include first and second members thattelescopically deploy with regard to one another to vary arm length toaccommodate strollers of varying sizes. For example, a common strollermay have a front wheel of 12″ in diameter but another stroller may havea 16″ diameter that necessitates an expansion of void 152 in a directionparallel to axis 156. An embodiment may include multiple telescopingmembers such as telescoping risers, male hitches, and/or arms toaccommodate varying stroller sizes.

As mentioned above, an embodiment includes straps 122, 123 to secure oneor more handle bars. However, another embodiment includes a latch boltto secure a handle bar. A latch bolt may be part of a lockset and mayinclude a spring-loaded bolt with an angled edge. When a rod (which maybe curved to wrap from one end of element 120 to another end of element120 (around the handle bar) is pushed closed, the angled edge of thelatch bolt engages with the lip of a strike plate. A spring allows thebolt to retract. Once the rod (similar to a door in a gate system thatuses a conventional latch bolt) is fully closed, the bolt automaticallyextends into the strike plate, holding the rod closed. The latch bolt isdisengaged (retracted) typically when the user retracts a knob orextension on the rod, which via the lockset's mechanism, manuallyretracts the latch bolt, allowing the rod to open to allow access to thestroller handle (e.g., handle bar). However, in another embodiment therod is replaced with the handle bar itself. In such an embodiment when ahandle bar is pushed into the latch, the handlebar itself engages withthe lip of a strike plate. A spring allows the latch to close over thehandle bar. Once the handle bar (similar to a door in a gate system thatuses a conventional latch bolt) is fully enclosed, the handle barextends into the strike plate, holding the handle bar therein. Thehandle bar is disengaged (retracted) typically when the user retracts aknob or extension on a lever, which via the lockset's mechanism,manually retracts the latch, allowing the latch to open to allow accessto the stroller handle (e.g., handle bar). For example, in an embodimenta latch assembly similar to a Stanley® 763835 Zinc Plated (2C) OutswingGate Latch (available athttp***www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/Stanley-763835-Zinc-Plated-2C-Outswing-Gate-Latch/114132/Cat/1412)may be used. However, the bar that is received within the example latchis replaced with the handle bar itself such that placing the handle barin the latch allows for self latching.

Various bumpers and end pieces are provided to prevent a user frominterfacing with a rough edge of, for example, an extruded metal membersuch as arm 103. Such end pieces include members 101, 126, 127, 125,124, 110, 109.

Persons skilled in the relevant art can appreciate that manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. Persons skilled in the art will recognize various equivalentcombinations and substitutions for various components shown in theFigures. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention belimited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claimsappended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A travel system comprising: first and secondarms, the first arm including an aperture; a hub pivotally coupled tothe first and second arms; a male hitch insert, coupled to the hub, toinsert within a female hitch; a handle bar support, coupled to the malehitch insert, to receive a handle bar of a stroller; a void, locatedbetween the first and second arms, to receive a wheel of the stroller;and a post to: (a) extend from the first arm to the second arm, (b) matewith the second arm, (c) extend between support members of the wheel andsecure the stroller to the system.
 2. The travel system of claim 1comprising a riser that couples the handle bar support to the male hitchinsert, wherein the riser is located between the first arm and a firstend of the male hitch insert.
 3. The travel system of claim 2 comprisingan assembly having a lock coupled to the post, wherein the post is tolockingly mate with the second arm.
 4. The travel system of claim 3,wherein: the aperture includes a maximum diameter: the assembly includesfirst and second ends each having a diameter greater than the maximumdiameter of the aperture so the assembly cannot be removed from theaperture without disassembling the assembly.
 5. The travel system ofclaim 3, wherein the first arm, the second arm, and the riser each haveidentical cross-sections.
 6. The travel system of claim 3 comprising afriction-inducing sleeve coupled to the hub to control a pivot rate atwhich the first and second arms pivot about the hub.
 7. The travelsystem of claim 3 wherein the riser includes an aperture that includesthe male hitch insert.
 8. The travel system of claim 3, wherein thefirst and second arms pivot less than 150 degrees about the hub.
 9. Thetravel system of claim 3, wherein: the riser is a height adjustableriser; in a first orientation the riser has a first height between thehandle bar support and the male hitch insert and in a second orientationthe riser has a second height between the handle bar support and themale hitch insert; the second height is unequal to the first height. 10.The travel system of claim 3 comprising a latch assembly to secure thehandle bar to the handle bar support.
 11. The travel system of claim 10wherein the latch assembly includes a self-latching latch assembly tosecure the handle bar to handle bar support.
 12. The travel system ofclaim 1 comprising a riser that couples the handle bar support to themale hitch insert, wherein the riser is located between first and secondopposing ends of the male hitch insert.
 13. The travel system of claim12, wherein the hub is located in the second end of the male hitchinsert.
 14. The travel system of claim 12 comprising an assembly havinga lock coupled to the post, wherein the post is to lockingly mate withthe second arm.
 15. The travel system of claim 14, wherein: the apertureincludes a maximum diameter: the assembly includes first and second endseach having a diameter greater than the maximum diameter of the apertureso the assembly cannot be removed from the aperture withoutdisassembling the assembly.
 16. The travel system of claim 14, whereinthe first arm, the second arm, and the riser each have identicalcross-sections.
 17. The travel system of claim 14 comprising afriction-inducing sleeve coupled to the hub to control a pivot rate atwhich the first and second arms pivot about the hub.
 18. The travelsystem of claim 14 wherein the riser includes an aperture that includesthe male hitch insert.
 19. The travel system of claim 14, wherein: theriser is a height adjustable riser; in a first orientation the riser hasa first height between the handle bar support and the male hitch insertand in a second orientation the riser has a second height between thehandle bar support and the male hitch insert; the second height isunequal to the first height.
 20. The travel system of claim 14comprising a latch assembly to secure the handle bar to the handle barsupport.